Cost Benefit of Music Therapy in Hospice

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568421

From Nursing Economics

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Music Therapy in a Home Hospice

Rafael Romo, MSN, RN; Lisa Gifford, MSN, RN

 

This is a great article about how studies suggest that music therapy may have a direct cost benefit by reducing medication costs while improving quality of life, communciation, depression, pain, agitation, disruptive behaviors.  Improved efficacy and efficiency of staff interventions is also cited.

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Adding a group from a nearby retirement center for whom I gave a bereavement presentation.

Can Participating in Music Slow the Aging Process?

Yes, according to this article from Psychology Today's blog.  It reports the findings of two studies into this topic, which show clear brain power superiority of active musicians in several areas including spatial (nonverbal) memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility.  Other studies suggest that teens and adults who are involved in music, whether classical or popular, give their brains an important source of future growth and development.  Check out this article:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201105/can-music-slow-down-the-aging-process

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Dr. Larry Sherman, neuroscientist at OHSU, spoke to the Giving Circle of SW Washington last night about how music affects the brain.  It was a great opportunity to hear about why music is so important in our lives.  Dr. Sherman shared some great information and dazzled the group with his piano improvisation skills.  I  had a brief opportunity to share a music therapy experience with the group, so I am adding another 18 people to my count.  In the audience were the amazing saxophonist Patrick Lamb and his manager Amy Maxwell.  Afterwards we talked about music therapy!  Me, talking to a world class musician about music therapy!!  Awesome!  We also were thrilled to have the incomparable Val Ogden and her husband in attendance.  The Giving Circle's mission this year is to fund projects in Clark County, WA, intended to increase access to the arts for people with disadvantages or disabilities.

Presentation: How the Arts Affect Brain Development

In this multi-media musical performance and presentation,
Dr. Larry Sherman explores the origins of music and how music
and the arts can influence brain development and healthy brain aging.

Date:  Thursday, October 27th
Time:  7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location:  Innovative Services NW,  9414 Northeast Fourth Plain Road, Vancouver, Washington

Limited seating, please RSVP to
together@nonprofitnetworkwa.org or
call 360.735.7110 - we need a name and
contact number or email.

No cost to attend.

We welcome new members, and
donations to the Giving Circle Grants
Fund and the Nonprofit Network.

http://nonprofitnetworkwa.org/images/uploads/files/nnswGC_Kickoff_flyer.pdf

No TV under 2!!

 I guess mom was right when she limited our television watching.  Recent research makes it clear young children learn more efficiently from real interactions — with people and things — than from situations on video screens. “We know some learning can take place from media” for children of school ages, said Georgene Troseth, a psychologist at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, “but it’s . . . lower, and it takes a lot longer.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/health/19babies.html?_r=1

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I was invited to speak at a parent education meeting at A Peaceful Path Montessori on Monday.  Six fantastic parents attended and we made music and talked about how adding music to their lives can influence brain power!  Also spoke with caregivers at a local adult family care center and at Legacy Salmon Creek hospital.  Only 8 away from 700!

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Kelli Nye, special education teacher at Sacajawea Elementary School in NE Vancouver put together a great resource fair for families with children with special needs last night!  Among the exhibitors were ARC of SWWashington, Autism Behavioral Consulting (ABC), Legacy Salmon Creek, ESD 112, and me!  I spoke with a number of parents about their children's special needs, and even met the brother of the founder of CCA.  We spoke at length about what a wonderful organization that is, providing music therapy and other services to children with cancer.  I had fun making music with the kids, too!  They tried out my tubano, pentatonic xylo, guitar and various small percussion.  Great event!

Music Therapy in the News

Please watch this wonderful clip from CBS News about the wonders of music therapy in hospital:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7384199n

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Had a wonderful talk with a gentleman and his wife in the hallway of a local hospital about music therapy on Monday.  Also have had the opportunity to talk with clients at the Marshall Center in Vancouver WA about my new tone chime choir.  Lots of people stopped by my table and tried out the tone chimes!